Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
When you need a meal that feels special but doesn’t require hours of prep, this combination is your secret weapon. The secret lies in searing the chicken bites to lock in the juices before tossing them in a luscious garlic butter sauce that perfectly coats every strand of pasta.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The punchy garlic butter and nutty Parmesan create a sophisticated flavor profile.
- Perfect Texture: You get crispy-edged chicken bites alongside silky, smooth pasta.
- One-Pan Feel: While you cook the pasta separately, the chicken and sauce come together quickly in one skillet.
Ingredients
| Category | Item | Quantity |
| Chicken | Chicken Breast or Thighs (Bite-sized) | 1.5 lbs |
| Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt & Pepper | To taste | |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp | |
| Pasta | Fettuccine or Linguine | 12 oz |
| Sauce | Unsalted Butter | 4 tbsp |
| Minced Garlic | 4 cloves | |
| Heavy Cream | 1.5 cups | |
| Shredded Parmesan Cheese | 1 cup | |
| Fresh Parsley (Chopped) | 2 tbsp |
Instructions
1. Sear the Chicken Bites
Pat the chicken dry and season generously with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 3–5 minutes per side). Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Boil the Pasta
While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
4. Make it Creamy
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes. Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thickened. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
5. Combine and Garnish
Add the cooked pasta and the golden chicken bites back into the skillet. Toss everything together until every bite is coated in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Pro-Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure they get a nice sear rather than steaming.
- Freshly Grated Cheese: Use a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself; it will melt much smoother into the sauce than the pre-shredded variety.
- Add a Kick: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the butter with the garlic if you like a little bit of heat.
